Common Laws is built for Hong Kong solicitors, barristers, and in-house counsel who need the right authority quickly. This month’s updates help you follow a matter through the courts and get research answers that stay on the point you asked.

Follow a judgment’s appeal path

When you open a case, the Summary tab now includes Appeal history below the headnote. You can see the lower-court judgment this matter came from, and open it when it is in the library — including where the earlier court is not yet linked as a full record.

From the top menu, open Hong Kong Court Cases, choose a judgment, and stay on Summary.

Look up a case or Cap. and start reading straight away

If you already have a case number or a chapter reference, Research now surfaces matching authorities under Matching result while the written answer is still coming in. Type something like a CACC number or Cap. 210 and submit — you can open the hit without waiting for the full memo.

Answers you can scan

Research memos now use headings and bullet lists, so issues, holdings, and authorities are easier to lift into a note or advice.

Sentencing and civil work that stays on point

Ask about sentence, tariff, or a named offence — in English or Chinese — and the answer stays with criminal authorities and guideline cases rather than drifting into unrelated civil material.

The same is true for limitation, privacy, and other civil questions. You can ask in Chinese or English, and you do not need to name the ordinance first.

From the top menu, open Research and try the question you would actually put to a colleague.

Image: Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash